PRINCE2 7 Tailoring the Managing a Stage Boundary process
Tailoring Products in the PRINCE2 7 Managing a Stage Boundary Process
The activities in the managing a stage boundary process may be combined, split or run concurrently to suit the context, but care should be taken to ensure the integrity of the interfaces with the initiating a project, controlling a stage, and directing a project processes.
Although this process is called managing a stage boundary, it also covers the preparation of an exception plan within a stage when tolerances are exceeded. For this reason, the PRINCE2 Process model may therefore be changed to separate these two functions into different processes.
PRINCE2 stage plan
If there are only two management stages, one for initiation and the other for delivery, the stage plan can be included in the project plan.
PRINCE2 product descriptions
The project product description and product descriptions are key as they relate to the PRINCE2 focus on products principle.
Although PRINCE2 shows the project manager as responsible for creating product descriptions, in practice they may not have the requisite skills to define specialist products.
Their role may be to see that the product descriptions are defined and reviewed rigorously enough to an enable planning to be undertaken competently.
PRINCE2 end stage report
If there is only one delivery stage, then the end of that stage is also the end of the project. In this case of an end stage report is not needed as its contents would be covered in the end stage report within the closing a project process.
This product may be split into two parts, one covering progress to date in detail, the other forming the basis of the decision to start the next stage.
PRINCE2 lessons log
Lessons from the log or lessons report, if one has been created, may be combined with the end stage report
PRINCE2 exception plan
The plan may include components in any format commensurate with the complexity of the project, with views ranging from a simple list of accountabilities, products, activities and dates to Gantt charts.
The plan may be held totally or partially within a planning tool.
The project manager role
The project manager is responsible for the creation of all new management products within the managing a stage boundary process but may delegate work to others with the requisite skills, such as project support or a team manager, provided the project manager retains overall responsibility.
Managing stage boundaries on a simple project
If the project has just two management stages, the initiation stage and one delivery stage, the scope of this process is reduced to those activities relating to managing exceptions, if any, activities for creating the next stage plan are irrelevant as there is no next stage.
Managing stage boundaries on a project from a supplier perspective
From a supplier perspective when working on work packages for a customer’s project, the suppliers input may be to help repair any plans.
From the perspective of the supplier’s project, stage boundaries would normally represent its own decision points within its own project life cycle and these need to match the stage boundaries in the customer’s project.
Managing stage boundaries on a project within a programme
All the guidance provided above is applicable to a project within a programme, except that any decisions and plans will be made in the context of the program.
If possible, allying the programme review points with project management stage boundaries may help keep alignment across the program.
Pass Your PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam At First Try HERE!
lightbulb-o
Managing stage boundaries when using an agile approach
Ideally the managing stage boundaries process should not interrupt than actual flow of work using agile, with releases and sprints synchronized within each management stage.
This process provides an opportunity to assess the ongoing viability of the project and to decide what the priorities are for the next management stage.
This is to ensure that high value, most beneficial, work, from the product backlog is undertaken in preference to lower value work.
Throughout the stage, the frequent delivery of products in an iterative and incremental style will mean that it will be clear how many features have been delivered, their level of quality and value added, and which remain to be covered in later management stages.
Want to Pass PRINCE2 At First Try?
CLICK HERE for our unique PRINCE2 Lite For Smaller Projects
PRINCE2® 7 Foundation and Practitioner
Learn PRINCE2® 7 Foundation and Practitioner Online
** Enhance your PRINCE2 career now **
PRINCE2® Masterclass gives you the skills necessary to manage projects effectively and achieve your objectives.
Get 7 days a week 12 months one to one coaching with ex PRINCE2 examiner Dave Litten.
PRINCE2® is a globally recognized project management framework. By completing both the Foundation and Practitioner courses through our self-paced e-learning, you will develop an understanding of the methodology and learn how to effectively adapt it to any project.
The PRINCE2® 7 Foundation and Practitioner Masterclass is PeopleCert Accredited and guarantees to take you from PRINCE2 Novice to PRINCE2 Practitioner with our famous video learning, study guides and practice exams.
What Does the Masterclass Cover?
The PRINCE2 Foundation examination assesses your knowledge and comprehension of the PRINCE2 project management methodology as detailed in the syllabus. The PRINCE2 Practitioner examination, on the other hand, gauges your ability to apply and tailor the PRINCE2 method. Candidates who pass the Practitioner exam should be able to start implementing the method on an actual project with some guidance. However, their effectiveness may differ based on their experience in project management, the complexity of the project, and the level of support they receive in their work environment.
